Main Card Media

The UFC flyweight division at 125 pounds doesn’t always get the spotlight of heavier weight classes, but the talent level is genuine and the action typically delivers. The division has been defined by a rotation of elite champions and contenders who are some of the most technically refined athletes in the UFC roster.

UFC Flyweight Champion

Alexandre Pantoja (c) — The Brazilian champion has delivered one of the more complete performances any flyweight champion has put together, with victories over top contenders that demonstrate every facet of his game. Pantoja’s submission grappling, compact striking, and competitive toughness make him a deserving champion who is difficult to game plan for effectively.

Top 10 Flyweight Contenders

#1 — Brandon Moreno

The Assassin Baby has held the flyweight title and engaged in one of the great divisional rivalries with Deiveson Figueiredo. His submission game and well-rounded approach make him the most credentialed contender at 125, and a rematch with Pantoja is the natural direction for the title picture. Moreno’s fighting spirit and fan-friendly style keep him relevant beyond just the rankings.

#2 — Kai Kara-France

The New Zealand striker brings exceptional hand speed and combination punching that creates problems for any flyweight. His knockout power is legitimate for the weight class, and his willingness to engage in exchanges produces finishes that his ranking alone doesn’t capture. A win over a top contender puts him back in the title picture.

#3 — Manel Kape

The Angolan-Portuguese fighter’s striking credentials from kickboxing and Muay Thai backgrounds give him a technical edge over many flyweights who rely on wrestling-based approaches. His power and volume make him a genuine threat to finish anyone at 125 on the right night.

#4 — Amir Albazi

The Prince’s submission game is elite-level even by the standard of a weight class full of technically precise grapplers. Albazi’s ability to finish from virtually any position on the ground makes him dangerous the moment any flyweight fight hits the mat, regardless of who initiated the exchange.

#5 — Tatsuro Taira

The unbeaten Japanese grappler has turned heads with dominant performances that showcase elite wrestling and submission grappling at 125 pounds. Taira’s perfect record and finishing instinct make him the most intriguing rising prospect in the flyweight division.

#6 — David Dvorak

The Czech fighter’s submission game and competitive nature have produced quality wins in the flyweight division. Dvorak’s approach — patient, technical, submission-oriented — makes him a difficult matchup for fighters who prefer to stay on the feet.

#7 — Matheus Nicolau

The Brazilian veteran has demonstrated the technical completeness and experience to compete at the top of the flyweight rankings. Nicolau’s well-rounded game doesn’t have a glaring weakness, making him a difficult opponent for styles that rely on exploiting specific defensive gaps.

#8 — Steve Erceg

The Australian flyweight has built a solid record with consistent performances. Erceg’s grappling background and competitive engine make him a useful addition to the division’s top ten and a potential surprise for higher-ranked opponents who underestimate his submission threat.

#9 — Muhammad Mokaev

The British-Dagestani grappler has been dominant in the UFC flyweight division with a wrestling-heavy approach that creates control and finishes. His unbeaten UFC record and output suggest a contender who could climb quickly with the right matchmaking.

#10 — Tim Elliott

The veteran flyweight’s grappling credentials and ability to survive adversity have kept him competitive at the top of the division for years. Elliott’s experience and technical grappling game make him a credible threat against top-ten competition.

Division Outlook

The Pantoja vs. Moreno matchup is the title fight that makes the most sense at 125 pounds. Their history and Moreno’s credentials make him the clear number-one contender, and the fight would produce the kind of technical, engaging action that the flyweight division delivers at its best.

The emergence of Taira as an unbeaten prospect and Kape’s striking credentials below the top three create genuine uncertainty about who emerges as the next elite challenger if the established contenders lose to each other.

Rankings updated April 2026. Follow @MainCard_Media for live updates and fight night coverage.